Project officer Sustainable labs (0,6-0,8 fte)

Introduction

Would you like to contribute to a more sustainable TU/e?
Do you have a passion for technology and a curious mindset?
Then we’re looking for you! Help us make our laboratories sustainable.

At TU/e’s Sustainability Office we are looking for a Project officer Sustainable labs (0,6-0,8 fte).

Job Description

At TU/e, we’re launching an initiative to make our laboratories more sustainable. We manage approximately 43,000 m² of lab space, ranging from cleanrooms and heavy physical labs to dry labs and everything in between. Sustainable lab operations are complex and require strong collaboration between researchers, lab users, facility managers, and support services. Everyone needs to work closely together to achieve real impact. Fortunately, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Other universities have already paved the way, and there are existing frameworks and plenty of knowledge we can build on. What we will do is apply this knowledge in our own context — working together across departments to discover what truly works for TU/e. We’ll begin with several pilot projects. Our goal is to develop a university-wide sustainable lab program that’s practical, effective, and supported by all stakeholders.

This initiative is being launched by the Sustainability Office, with the aim of embedding it sustainably within the organization. That’s why we’re looking for a project officer for a maximum period of three years.
The overall direction and final responsibility for this project lies with the Lead Research within the Sustainability Office. You will carry out your work under her guidance, in close collaboration with colleagues both inside and outside the university.

What will you be doing?

Data collection and analysis
You know better than anyone: if you can measure it, you can manage it. You gather relevant data, analyze it carefully, and present your findings in clear reports and visual summaries.

Support and process coordination
The Sustainability Office leads this initiative. In close collaboration with the Lead Research, you support the planning and organization of various process steps — from creating timelines and scheduling meetings to coordinating alignments and tracking action items.

Coordination and supervision of pilot projects
During the pilots, you are present in the labs. You stay in close contact with lab users and other stakeholders and maintain a clear understanding of what’s happening on the ground. You use these insights to inform your other tasks and help facilitate internal knowledge sharing.

Knowledge development and lab sustainability expertise
You actively explore different methods and approaches to make laboratories more sustainable. You build up your expertise independently and proactively, allowing you to contribute to the team as a knowledgeable and engaged professional.

Job Requirements

• You have a technical background at a minimum of bachelor's level (HBO), either through education or equivalent work experience.
• You have 1 to 2 years of relevant work experience and a proven track record in data analysis.
• You are genuinely interested in the people behind the technology and enjoy looking beyond the surface.
• You are accurate and detail-oriented, both in how you communicate and how you follow through on your commitments.
• You are convinced of the importance of sustainability and are motivated to contribute to a more sustainable world.
• You have strong communication skills and are fluent in English (C1 level). Dutch language proficiency is a plus.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of employment

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum € 3,708 to maximum €5,057 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 9 collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities).
• You will start with a one-year contract. Extension is possible (to a maximum of 3 years in total) depending on your performance, the progress of the various lab pilots, and the available (financial) support.
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

Information & application

About us

TU/e is a leading international university that educates engineers of the future and pushes the boundaries of science and technology for a better world. An international community of close to 7,000 employees and 13,000 students work and study on the vibrant and inspiring campus.

The Sustainability Office.

The Sustainability Office is a central team within the General Affairs department and reports directly to the Executive Board. Our mission is to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable university — and beyond. We focus on four key areas: research, education, campus & operations, and governance & valorization.

We support, inspire, and connect people across the TU/e community to create meaningful impact together. Each focus area is led by a dedicated lead who coordinates activities within their domain.

We also work closely with sustainability ambassador Anna Wieczorek and conduct research on the role a technical university can play in this transition. The knowledge we generate is actively shared and translated into practical implementation actions and strategic advice.

Curious about who we are, what we do, and how sustainability is embedded at TU/e? Visit our website.

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: Sindy Harks, head Sustainability Office, s.c.harks@tue.nl or +31 40 247 5756.

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact HR Services Support Units, hrservices.supportunits@tue.nl or +31 40 547 2421. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!